Howdy from PA

I'm surprised to hear that, I did notice that there was a younger guy working there last night who seemed like he was learning how the shop worked, perhaps he is who you had on the phone, maybe he didn't know how to answer topic?

Also I always try and remember that just like online , when not Conversing with someone face to face, that the attitude that comes though can be misconstrued

If by b&m you mean tobacco shops I have been going to Allegheny smoke works in Blawnox, Mie who I think is the owner is a good guy, and really helpful with my questions, plus they have the biggest selection of tobacco I know of bulk, and tinned

I guessed that would have been the shop to which you were referring. Good for you that they treat you well. As for me, when I called them two weeks ago to inquire as to what Cornell and Diehl blends they stocked the fellow on the phone was most off-putting, seeming ill tempered that I was trying to save some gasoline by calling. Not receiving any answer that would indicate he even knew what an English blend was or any interest on his part to even walk over and read off some of his stock, I was inclined to write them off. I understand they have a pipe club that informally meets on the second Saturday of each month and I think we've another member here who participates.

For me, when I want a "local" shop, I go to El Fumador in Sewickley - pricey but well stocked usually. Our South Hills Tinderbox closed about six months ago. Sad but predictable.

That is the same for me in regards to Allegheny Smoke Works. I called them about some products and I was getting one word ansewers and the feeling that talking on the phone was not acceptable.

I frequent El Fumador about once a month. That have the greatest dog there too. They have a great selection of Peterson pipes with decent prices. Maybe I'll bump into you both there!!

I found the website for the el fumador, and I couldn't tell if it was an actual shop or just a web store, now that I know I'll have to check it out.

I will be the big ugly guy with a long gray goatee and a bunch of tattoos, hope to run into you sometime

Yes, Eddie has a real tobacco shop, perhaps the best I have ever been in (excepting the old Dunhill Manhattan store before the fashion company took over, but even then the Dunhill shop was a class in itself).

In the four years I have shopped there I have had to keep in mind that El Fumador is in the shopping district of one of western PA's most affluent municipalities and its pricing reflects that. Lately Eddie has brought down his stock of Dunhill pipes and carries far fewer Peterson's and Savinellis than just a couple of years ago. He has always had high tinned prices but reasonable bulk prices but now his bulks are very high. I can only assume that sending his son to college as an aviation major is the cause!Still, I like supporting a local B&M when I can and even buy small amounts of my favorite blends and the occasional tin despite buying online elsewhere due to price.

Outstanding cigar selection and very high end smoker's accoutrements there as well.

As Mozjo33 noted, the Airedale is a hoot, a gentleman's dog and should really be his website's mascot rather than the pied piper he uses.